Former New England Patriots player Ron Brace dies at age of 29

Police have confirmed that defensive tackle Ron Brace, a 2009 second-round draft choice of the New England Patriots, has died at the age of 29.

The cause of death is not being treated as suspicious, according to the Springfield Massachusetts Police Department.

Boston College star Brace played in 39 games for the Patriots from 2009 to 2012.

Hampered by injury, he then signed with Washington Redskins for a brief spell in February 2013, but was released shortly before the season began.

"We were deeply saddened to hear the news this morning of Ron Brace's death," the Patriots said in a statement.

"Seven years ago tomorrow [Monday], we drafted Ron after his standout career at Boston College. During his Patriots career, the Springfield native was always eager to volunteer and give back in our communities, especially when those community initiatives were held in Western Mass.

"It is difficult to believe that someone so young and in the prime of his life is no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron's family, friends and the many former team-mates who will mourn Ron's passing."

Former Boston College team-mate Matt Ryan, who is now the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback, paid tribute on Twitter, saying: "Saddened to hear about the passing of friend and former team-mate Ron Brace. His smile was contagious. Thoughts and prayers to his family."